82712018-10-10GaN-based, low-voltage avalanche photodiodes for robust and compact UV imagers, Phase ICompletedJan 2009Jul 2009This Phase I SBIR program is directed toward the development of a novel low-voltage (~10V) AlGaN-based multi-quantum well (MQW) avalanche photodiode (APD) on low-cost substrates. The high-gain, high-speed and low-noise operation of the proposed device allow the replacement of bulkier and more fragile photomultiplier tubes (PMTs) for many UV photon-counting and imaging applications. In particular, reduction in size and weight in addition to improvements in reliability and ruggedness compared to PMTs, make this technology very suitable for some of the NASA's planned space missions as well as other civilian and defense applications that require high-sensitivity, solar-blind UV detection. Potential NASA Commercial Applications: Fabrication of low-cost UV detectors and imaging arrays is very important for many applications including optical communications, medical imaging, polymer curing, air and water purification, and chemical/biological hazard detection.333SBIR/STTRSpace Technology Mission DirectorateJet Propulsion LaboratoryJPLNASA CenterPasadenaCASVT AssociatesIndustryEden PrairieMNCaliforniaMinnesotaTherese GriebelCarlos TorrezCelestino Jun RoscaAmir Dabiran